Ruto Hosts Historic Nairobi Summit as AU, EAC, and SADC Agree on Joint DRC Peace Framework

Ruto Hosts Historic Nairobi Summit as AU, EAC, and SADC Agree on Joint DRC Peace Framework

A major diplomatic milestone unfolded in Nairobi on Friday, August 1, as President William Ruto co-chaired a historic summit focused on ending decades of violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Hosted at the heart of Kenya’s capital, the summit brought together top leaders from the African Union (AU), East African Community (EAC), and Southern African Development Community (SADC). In an unprecedented move, the blocs agreed to merge their peace structures into a single, unified framework.

“We cannot afford to work in silos anymore. Africa must speak and act with one voice,” President Ruto emphasized during the opening session.

A United Front for Peace

The summit, co-chaired by Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, reached several bold resolutions. Top among them was the immediate formation of a joint secretariat, led by the African Union, to harmonize peacekeeping and mediation in the conflict-torn DRC.

“This is a turning point. For the first time, Africa is taking full charge of its peace process,” said AU Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat.

Additionally, leaders voted to combine the Terms of Reference (ToRs) for the AU Mediator and the EAC-SADC Panel of Facilitators. The goal, they said, is to increase transparency and define clear roles.

“Our people deserve a process they can trust. We must be accountable,” said former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, who attended as a senior mediator.

Focus on Humanitarian Relief

Beyond political resolutions, the summit also addressed the worsening humanitarian crisis in eastern DRC. The African Union Commission (AUC) was tasked with mobilizing urgent resources and coordinating relief efforts.

“Peace without humanitarian support is incomplete,” noted former Central African Republic President Catherine Samba-Panza.
“Millions are suffering. We must act now,” she added.

The leaders stressed that all peace initiatives moving forward must align with this new African-led process. They emphasized inclusion and regional cooperation.

A Continental Step Forward

Notably, former President Uhuru Kenyatta joined other distinguished leaders such as Ethiopia’s Sahle-Work Zewde and Botswana’s Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi, adding weight to the unified stance.

This new framework will also merge the Nairobi and Luanda Processes, ensuring coherence across peace tracks. A follow-up summit is scheduled within seven days to communicate decisions to all stakeholders.

For a continent long burdened by fragmented peace efforts, the Nairobi Summit may mark a new dawn.

“This is not just a meeting. It’s a commitment to African solutions for African problems,” President Ruto concluded.

ALSO READ: Police Constable Kimathi Arrested in Meru Over Controversial FBI Group

Ruto Hosts Historic Nairobi Summit as AU, EAC, and SADC Agree on Joint DRC Peace Framework